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6.6/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.6/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. One More Chance remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Alright, so you’re thinking about digging into One More Chance? For anyone really into classic Hollywood, especially early talkies, or if you just have a soft spot for Bing Crosby, then yeah, it’s worth a quick peek. It’s a short, a real slice of its time.
But if you’re looking for some grand narrative or a film that will challenge you, this isn’t it. Modern audiences used to slick pacing and complex stories might find it a bit slow, or maybe just a little too… well, simple. Don't expect a lot of plot twists here. 🎬
Bing Crosby, even then, just has this _thing_ about him. He pops on screen and you can see why he became a star. There’s a scene where he’s trying to sing for a job, and the whole situation is just a bit awkward. You feel for him, even though it's played for laughs.
His voice, of course, is already there. Smooth as silk. He croons a number, and it just washes over you. It's almost too easy for him. ✨
The story itself, what little there is, focuses on Bing's character trying to get a job and impress the girl. Julia Griffith plays the love interest, and she's got a nice, understated charm. Her reactions to Bing's antics are pretty good, a real 'long-suffering but kinda likes him' vibe.
There's this moment when he’s trying to sell something, and it just falls apart. The whole thing feels very vaudevillian, you know? Like they’re just putting on a little sketch for the camera.
The other folks, like Kalla Pasha and George Gray, they’re mostly there to set up Bing’s bits. Kalla Pasha as the tough guy, all bluster. He really commits to the role, even if it's brief. He's got a face that just says 'I mean business.'
And then there's June Glory, another performer who gets a chance to shine for a moment. Her energy is undeniable, a real contrast to Bing's laid-back style. It’s a very early example of how these shorts would showcase different types of talents.
The pacing is… well, it’s 1931. Things move at their own speed. Some moments linger a bit, letting you soak in the early sound-film atmosphere. Other times, it feels like they’re rushing to get to the next musical number or gag.
You can tell they were still figuring things out with sound. The sound quality itself, it’s not crystal clear, but you can hear every word and every note. It adds to the charm, I think. Like you're watching a piece of history unfolding. 🕰️
One specific detail that stuck with me: the set design. Very minimal, almost like a stage play. A few chairs, a backdrop. It really forces you to focus on the performers and their expressions. There's not much to distract you.
And the way people talk in these films, it’s just different. A little more formal, a little more projected. It’s a fun window into how dialogue was delivered before actors got super natural with the microphone.
Look, One More Chance isn't going to change your life. It’s a pleasant diversion. A reminder of where film came from and how a legend like Bing Crosby started his journey. It’s short, sweet, and mostly just a good time if you know what you’re getting into.
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